Book Restoration atelier

The restoration of various injuries, from bindings to different sort of papers, are part of the daily practice. It varies from slightly damaged bindings to very heavily damaged books, which disintegrate into pieces, and from antique charters to old maps.

Restored early 20th century children’s books

Book with a lot of paper restoration

Below is broadly reflected what is going on in my studio:

paper:

– De-acidification, dry and wet cleaning

– Repairing cracks and holes

– Repaire holes and missing parts by creating new paper

Capital Band:

Antique books have usually capital band sewn by hand. There can be chosen from different techniques and many color combinations.

Boards of the bookcover

Signs can be recovered from a slight injury. If necessary, they are replaced by new plates. Old planks are restored if that turns out to be necessary. If they are too heavily damaged by woodworm, they will be replaced by new shelves, if possibly with the same type of wood.

Restoration of 16th century books from Münsterland (D)

leather:

– Cleaning and provide nutrition

– Repair pivot points

– Remake missing pieces

Restored 16th century books from Saint Wandrille (F)

Parchment and charters:

– Dry cleaning

– making flat

– easing

– Charters also receive an appropriate folder or etui

Manuscripts from the Wittem monastery in Wittem Zuid-Limburg (NL)

Closure:

Copper or brass closure will be restored and, if necessary, newly created in matching style

Closure is restored and made new

Finally:

During the retoration of antique books, often described pieces of parchment come free, which are used by the first bookbinder, for example as back-strengthener . These pieces which are sometimes very small, will included in a separate folder.

We are glad to make a no-obligation price quotation from work. In the case of restoration, can be realized, if desired, a description of the restoration process.